because we’re all a little winter weary, rgb is offering nation-wide shipping for $10 a box in the month of march.
all month long we’ll ship a little sunshine from our shop in seattle to your home in less than a week. place your order by monday at 10pm, your box(es) will leave our store by wednesday and arrive just in time for the weekend!*
*barring something crazy, because you never know (come back here, you scooter-riding rgb thief!).
send bottles of white peach rgb to your friends in south carolina and they can make tasty juleps!
pink guava won't literally fight off winter storm sparta, but it will definitely keep you dreaming of sun as the mid-atlantic gets blasted with yet another round of ice.
want to get some real results in washington? next time you're sending letters to dc, ship them a box of hibiscus rgb! you're not bribing anyone - it’s a great example of why they should support small business!
we can't wait to see where rgb will travel.
use #rgbinthewild to show us on instagram!
to celebrate this exciting opportunity, we’re adding an additional flavor to our online shop: cucumber x tarragon. bright, crisp, and super-refreshing (especially with spirits), its exactly what we needed to pretend spring has already arrived (any moment now!).
we recommend pairing cucumber x tarragon with any of sun liquor’s gin for a sophisticated yet simple cocktail. combine rgb + gin to taste over ice, and bam: a two-ingredient cocktail! spruce it up with a sprig of rosemary or fresh mint and you’ve got a perfect porch sipper (no matter where you are in our lovely nation*).
look out america, rgb is coming to you!
*the fine print: shipping is $10 per box nationwide within the contiguous states. each box contains four delicious bottles of rgb. if you order your box by 10 pm on monday, it will be shipped from our shop by Wednesday via 2-day air, and should arrive just in time for the weekend. $10 shipping offer expires march 31, 2015.
this is Seattle, we like our burgers grass-fed and our beer made with craft. all we’re saying is that when we toss our free range chicken wings it’s not going to be with any old sauce. we want our fingers coated in hot goodness, so when we lick them off it won’t just be genera-spicy, it’ll be delicious ginger hellfire.
enter the official RGB TAILGATE WINGS!
this special recipe has been created for all you Seahawks fans by Chef Monica Dimas, the newest addition to our RGB family. over the last 11 years, Monica has worked at some of our favorite spots in Seattle: Campagne, Pichet, Spinasse, Monsoon, La Bête, and Ethan Stowell Restaurants. we are beyond excited to have such a badass chef around (and you should be too because she is clearly down to share her awesome recipes)!
RGB Tailgate Wings can be made at home or found at Nacho Borracho on game day. these wings are beyond simple (no fryer required) but taste like you worked super hard. hey, good for you working so hard! someone should get you a cocktail because damn are you worn out now.
to soothe the heat and up your enjoyment factor (because half the joy of football is the drinking, let’s be real), RGBartender Eric Aguilar has fashioned a couple of tailgate quenchers that will surely impress even your beeriest bro. when your friends ask what they can bring, just send them a list of ingredients. no one is driving home so you better make a lot of wings.
RGB TAILGATE WINGS
for these delicious hot wings Monica kept it simple (with ultimate ease of wing-to-mouth in mind) and spicy with chili flakes, pepper and classic RGB. we hope you love Monica’s hot wings as much as we love having her around to make them. and keep in mind, if your not so d.i.y. these wings will be available for your eating pleasure at Nacho Borracho on game day.
ingredients:
2 pounds of wings (around 18)
1 Tablespoon + 1teaspoon kosher salt
1 Tablespoon coarse ground pepper
1 teaspoon chili flakes
5 cloves garlic (sliced thin or minced)
1 cup RGB
2 Tablespoons olive oil
cilantro to garnish (optional)
do it:
mix chicken wings with salt and pepper, cook in the oven for 30 minutes at 450 fahrenheit.
while the wings are in the oven sauté the garlic in a saucepan with the chili flakes and olive oil until golden brown. add the RGB and reduce by half.
toss the wings with the sauce while they're still hot.
garnish with the cilantro (if that’s what you're into) and enjoy!
RGBOOZE
punch is great, but spike your punch and you’ll understand why it’s for adults. simple, economical timing-wise, and an excuse to drink out of a bowl, what a great idea! because now you can actually watch the game rather than blending margaritas people are only drinking out of politeness, everyone wins (including your blender). thanks Eric, you’re the best!
Cucumber Gin Punch
ingredients:
2 - 750 ml bottles of your favorite gin (we suggest Oola, for its subtle juniper and citrus notes)
2 - 64 oz growlers, cucumber x tarragon RGB
1 - 2 liter bottle of soda or sparkling mineral water
1 - 750 ml bottle of your favorite sparkling wine (the flavor balance and economy of Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava is pretty unbeatable)
8 oz pineapple juice (or half a Solo cup)
do it:
combine in a 3 gallon punch bowl. stir and taste, adjust as necessary. serve over ice.
garnish with sliced English cucumber and fresh tarragon
Blueberry Bourbon Punch
ingredients:
2 - 750 ml bottles of whiskey (Evan Williams is his jam)
2 - 64 oz growlers, Blueberry RGB
1 - 2 liter bottle of soda or sparkling mineral water
1 - 750 ml bottle of sparkling wine
8 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur (half Solo cup)
1 oz Scrappy's Aromatic Bitters (half shot glass)
do it:
combine in a 3 gallon punch bowl combine then stir, taste, adjust!
serve over ice, garnish with fresh Blueberries and torn basil leaves
OR
heat on the stovetop until warm, and serve in a coffee mug, with the same garnish
happy tailgating, and however you watch the game, don’t skimp on the good stuff.
GO HAWKS!
]]>(stop by our flagship location in Pike Place Market and meet the newest member of our family: mango maté!)
just remember, someone else can always feed you.
there is zero shame in not wanting to do dishes for ten. you already made breakfast, seriously, zero shame. hey, why don’t you guys just go out to eat? when it’s time to feed the whole team we look for communal tables, large spaces, and warm, bustling spaces. the kitchen table at Boat Street Café is awesome for big groups, plus have you eaten at the Boat Street Café? it’s lovely, whether you’re a master epicurean or have proudly eaten steak in over 30 of our united states. and speaking of meat. if your family is into a good burger, take them to Palace Kitchen especially if you’ve got a few different kinds of eaters in your group (vegetarian, carnivore, everyone is going to be happy).
the Corson Building is what it would be like if the secret garden were a restaurant that had chickens and only serves delicious, fresh, locally oriented food. make a reservation so you know they aren’t having a special event, this is a perfect spot for a warm holiday gathering but it is off the beaten path so if they’re already booked up it’s a bummer. if you’re in need of a little sun (and dinner that’s closer to home) take them to Oddfellows on Capitol Hill. the space is huge with super tall windows, and they serve food from breakfast ‘til you need a late night dinner. Oddfellows is euro-style café food, so there is always something for those super picky eaters (every family has one), even if it’s only baguette with jam and coffee.
take out: the humane option
feeding your entire family can be a serious task, and when the work week is still going but your people are hungry, say it with us: take out.
the best thing you can do for your holiday experience is acknowledge that you don’t always have time to cook a wholesome meal for everyone or bake a dozen cupcakes. but hey, if you do, kick ass and more power to you. while most restaurants technically offer take out, some are really built for it. Marination Station (or Marination Ma Kai if you’re in West Seattle) and their tangy Nunya Sauce is the Hawaiian-Korean bomb.com. and they don’t close until 5pm on Christmas Eve, which is just late enough to save the day with sliders, kimchi, and spam for the whole family if things go south with Christmas Eve Dinner.
Little Uncle is a god among thai take out. they post their daily menus online, including all crucial info you need when ordering food at both capitol hill and pioneer square (which is only open for lunch, btw). did they freak out over Little Uncle? okay, now they’re ready. blow some minds with Kedai Maken. (see those ribs? so good.) you can feed the whole bunch and guaranteed once the take out boxes open your Ohioan parents will forget that they have no idea what the heck they’re eating (it’s probably not potatoes, but they’ll try it). worst case scenario you can always grab a friendly drink at a local bar while you wait.
got vegans? grab your take out from Wayward Vegan Café in the university district. Wayward serves food all day, so you can wake up to vegan biscuits and gravy, grab dinner on the way home or even order it from Caviar (as if you had time to pick up food). bonus points if you don’t tell dad it’s vegan, he’ll never know.
oh hey, don’t forget about dessert (and drinks!). we’ve got so many killer options in Seattle but at RGB we especially love the cupcakes from Cupcake Royale. bring home a dozen and wait for the calm. cupcakes can smooth over a surprising number of disagreements. it’s a lot harder for your mother to take issue with your curtains when she’s stuffing cupcakes in her face…
wow, we need a drink.
up the ante on your holiday Bellini by combining white peach rgb and Molly Moon’s riesling sorbet with some bubbles. when it comes to making good things better, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream is where it’s at. their salted caramel ice cream is also available vegan this winter, tell your vegans it’ll revive even their driest pie. and don’t forget Crumble and Flake for pastries, your early rising relatives would happily go pick up some scones for breakfast.
on day drinking
brunch, it’s a thing we’re expected to do, but if your clan has been around long enough, you’re probably thinking more about a drink come Sunday. real talk: Rachel (a veteran server/waiter) hates brunch. if we must brunch, can we not at least drink? if you’re looking to day drink, while also feeding your clan, we suggest Café Presse or Le Pichet in Pike Place Market. their white wine is inexpensive (keep it coming please) and their food is undeniably brunch that your family will enjoy consuming.plus sticking to wine and cheese is completely appropriate at both spots, now that’s brunch we can get down with. the patio at Linda’s Tavern is the place to day drink when it’s even slightly sunny out. your vegan family will love the tofu scramble but you’ll be there for the $20 pitcher of mimosas (if it’s really bad, start with an emergen-c elixer: vodka and emergen-c). if you’re being particularly healthy about it Ba Bar is definitely the best place to day drink, when you want to take good care of yourself while getting toasted at 11am. pho is a life elixir but pho x cocktails? you’re probably going to live forever.
send them on an adventure
as wonderful as your family is, life does not stop because the holidays are happening. there is plenty do in Seattle, whether you want to join them or send the crew off on their own.
there is always something to happening on capitol hill, and with this list of spots in hand they’ll be gone (happily) for hours. do some shopping: Totokaelo and Elliott Bay Books are right next door to each other and both very worth wandering. if you’ve got music buffs in your clan, just send them across the street to Everyday Music. Sugar Pill has great stocking stuffers and it’s full of interesting sweets, salts, herbs, and other apothecary items. if there’s a cold in your midst, make sure to mention it, they’ve got all kinds of things that’ll set them right. and the gift shop at the Frye Art Museum is full of beauty, plus entry to the museum is free.
“so, what’s the deal with these 'thrift shops' in Seattle we’ve been hearing about?” - says everyone’s relatives this year. the Lifelong Aids Alliance Thrift Store is a hidden gem, plus it supports a majorly good cause.
the food enthusiasts (because we don’t use that bad word ‘foodie’) in your clan will lose it over Melrose Market but with this one you really win too. see they’ll bring home cheese from Calf & Kid, charcuterie or maybe sausages they got at Rain Shadow Meats, wine, which was selected with loving hands at Bar Ferdinand, and if you’re super lucky, anything from Taylor Shellfish. of course, if they’re in need of a speedy meal, it’s all about grabbing a slice at Big Mario’s or bagel sandwiches at Eltana (bring home a dozen please! salt is the best).
is it cold outside?
not according to your family from Nebraska. many of Seattle’s farmers markets are open year around, everyone loves Pike Place Market, and so do we! but if you’ve got family over the weekend, why not check out on of our smaller, once a week markets. head out to the University District Farmers Market from 9am – 2pm on Saturday, or the Broadway Farmers Market on Sunday (11am ‘til 3pm).
sometimes the “go play” strategy is just not enough.
sign your whole team up for a cooking class at the Hot Stove Society. if you’ve got one of those majorly huge families you can sign up for a private class, it’s an incredible experience and suddenly there is no excuse for them not helping with dinner (hear that? it’s the sound of you winning). the Theo Chocolate Factory Tour is a super adventure. the only downside? your nieces and nephews will be disappointed to learn that snickers are not fair trade. Pacific Northwest Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a Seattle classic, but after 31 years, this is its final season. a great one for the kids, make sure they don’t miss their last chance to be mesmerized by the sheer spectacle of it, and mildly traumatized by those giant rats (it’s a tradition, they’ll live).
no but seriously, take care of yourself
hey friend, listen to RGB on this one. when family gets tough, the tough take care of themselves. your favorite cousin would love to go to dinner at Lark, for a drink and some chocolate at The Hideout, or pizza at Delancey, when it’s been one of those nights (start with cocktails at Essex while you wait for a table!)*. if you really need that good alone time (totally normal) book the most important “meeting” you’re going to have all week, and head to Banya 5 or Hothouse Spa for a long soak and a majorly relaxing massage.
Good luck, we’re rooting for you!
*unfortunately Delancey is closed from 12/22 until 1/7, but we honestly just couldn’t bare to omit them from this list because they are like family. yep their pizza is just that good!
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team rgb has officially surrendered to winter. but hey, we’re not complaining, it’s time for warmer gear, crackling fires, football (GO HAWKS) and hot bowls of soup with heartily buttered homemade bread (in our dreams).
another reason to be excited about winter? cranberry x pomegranate RGB is coming soon to our Pike Place Market flagship and farmers markets.
we’re all about cranberries right now, they’re healthful, tart, and make a smart addition to holiday cocktails (especially in RGB form). then again, we’re probably just amped because we’re getting killer berries from our often collaborators: local organic cranberry producer Starvation Alley, Washington’s first certified organic cranberry farm. like many of our partnerships, this one was born at the University District Farmer’s Market, where Starvation Alley sells their raw juice and organic cranberries.
fun fact: cranberries grow in bogs (we’re sure some of you knew that, but it’s a pretty wild right?). since we have such nutrient rich marshlands, Washington state is one of the largest cranberry producers in the country. Starvation Alley were big innovators in bringing the organic cranberry back to Washington, right on!
a favorite of our RGB special flavors, cranberry x pomegranate is a dear friend to holiday cocktails (and mocktails). take your cocktail to the next level with super minimal effort on your part with this simple cocktail (only three ingredients). this leaves time for more important things like changing your sweater and intervening with uncouth guests before they kill the vibe (give them one of these or call them a cab, you’ll know what’s right but one will always work).
cranberry x pomegranate x bubbles, oh my!
fill a champagne flute with sparkling wine like cava, top it off with as much cranberry x pomegranate RGB as you see fit.
keep it simple with a thick lemon peel for garnish.
continue to adjust proportions as you see fit throughout the evening, watch the goodtimes roll.
speaking of people who love snacks, win any holiday potluck by adding cranberry x pomegranate RGB to any your favorite holiday recipes for a dose of effervescent ginger, tart cranberry, and bright, anti-oxidant rich pomegranate. it also makes great cranberry sauce, like POW right in the kisser!
another fun fact: foods rich in phenolics (like the flavonoids in cranberries) are associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease and inflammation*.*rachel is not a doctor, but RGB is what the doctor ordered, so honestly at this point we’re just splitting hairs.
find cranberry x pomegranate RGB soon at our flagship store in pike place market, or as the seasonal flavor at our market stands:
University District Farmer’s Market: Saturday 9am-2pm
Capitol Hill Farmer’s Market: Sunday 11am-3pm
we'll announce the arrival of cranberry x pomegranate on facebook and instagram (@rgbsoda), so keep an eye out friends.
]]>Ifelt like such a jerk. More than a year ago, while judging a pie-baking contest at Capitol Hill's High 5 Pie, I was sitting at a table surrounded by local food connoisseurs—well-known bakers, cafe owners, and food editors—when someone chimed, "Does anyone want something to drink? Water? Coffee? Rachel's Ginger Beer?"
While the others immediately started cooing—"Rachel's Ginger Beer!" some cried in unison, fighting back the urge to climb over the table to get their hands on that bottle just one second faster—I looked around and said, "What's that?"
]]>With the launch of our new Pike Place Market location, Seattle EATER came down and took some great photos and had some really nice things to say.
]]>Last year we were featured on the YouTube show, American Hipster! American Hipster is a weekly documentary series profiling trendsetters in 10 cities across the country. Through earnest and stylized video portraits, the show explores the passions of American tastemakers in the worlds of music, art, food, style, and social life.
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